While it's yet to receive official accreditation as an "official psychiatric condition", an American hospital has nevertheless become the first in the country to offer a form of treatment for internet addition.

Opening next week, the Behavioural Health Services wing of Bradford Regional Medical Center in Pennsylvania will be making available a 10-day treatment program that first cuts off patient's internet access, then has them complete a range of counselling activities.

Which are probably called stuff like "Come on, cats aren't that funny" and "People have sex in the real world too, you know".

If you think that sounds perfect for you (or a loved one), know there's a catch. Or two. For starters, it's a voluntary program, so no forced interventions. Secondly, because the condition isn't yet recognised, insurance won't cover it, meaning it'll cost patients $14,000.